Shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules: feasibility in the case of coexistent chronic autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Objective ShearWave(TM) Elastography (SWE) is real-time, quantitative and user-independent technique, recently introduced in the diagnostic work-up of thyroid nodules. Hashimotos thyroiditis (HT), characterized by variable degrees of lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis, might affect shear wave propagation. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of SWE in cytologically benign thyroid nodules within both Hashimotos and nonautoimmune thyroid glands. The effect of autoimmunity on the gland stiffness was also evaluated.